Wilderness goalie Kania makes NCAA DI commitment

June 23, 2016

The Minnesota Wilderness of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that goaltender Luke Kania has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at Brown University. Brown is a member of the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Association (ECAC).

Kania, 20, joined the Wilderness early in the 2015-16 season and played in a total 27 games. The 6’2/190 lbs. native of Chicago, Illinois, posted a 15-8-2 record with 3 shutouts and a goals against average of 2.63 and save percentage of .889 during the regular season.

Kania thrived during playoffs. After replacing Chase Munroe late in Game 1 of the Midwest Division semifinals, Kania played every minute for the remainder of the Wilderness’s playoff run. Kania achieved a 5-3 record during the playoffs and had an impressive 1.72 GAA and .928 save percentage.

Kania endured five straight overtime games during the Wilderness’s playoff run, only to then lose to the current Robertson Cup Champions in Game 5 of the Midwest Division finals. Kania’s playoff stats were some of the best in the league, having the second best GAA and third best save percentage.

Kania appeared in seven NAHL games during the 2014-15 season with the Aberdeen Wings. Prior to that, he played two seasons at Shattuck St. Mary’s Prep School.

“We are very proud of and excited for Luke,” General Manager Dave Boitz said about Kania. “Luke was a pivotal part of our playoff run this year and we are excited to watch him at that next level.”